Crown Prince Christian inaugurates new bridge in first solo royal duty

Crown Prince Christian will officially open Denmark’s new Storstrøm Bridge on Saturday, marking his first solo engagement representing the royal house, Danish broadcaster DR reports.

The bridge, named Queen Margrethe II’s Bridge in honor of his grandmother, connects the islands of Zealand and Falster via Masnedø. Though it opened to cars, cyclists, and pedestrians on March 23, the formal inauguration will take place during a weekend of public celebrations.

The prince will arrive at the event in place of Queen Margrethe, who remains in need of rest following two hospitalizations in May, according to a statement from the royal house earlier this week. His participation underscores the monarchy’s long-standing ties to the Storstrøm crossing—his great-great-grandfather, King Christian X, inaugurated the original bridge in 1937.

At approximately 12:40 PM, the prince will make the final crossing over the old Storstrøm Bridge from Falster toward Masnedø, where he will be received by the mayors of Vordingborg and Guldborgsund municipalities. He will then proceed to the bridge’s pylon, adorned with its new name, for the official ceremony.

The 4-kilometer structure is now Denmark’s third-longest bridge, after the Øresund and Great Belt links. A rail connection is expected to open in 2027, while demolition of the old bridge is scheduled between 2028 and 2032.

Saturday’s events include an early morning cycling race across the bridge, public access to pedestrian areas from 11:00 AM, and a 1:00 PM reception with speeches and music. On Sunday, a 10,000-runner race will cross the span.